: a very young child

Word History

Etymology

perhaps modification of German Bänkling bastard, from Bank bench, from Old High German — more at bench

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bantling was in 1593

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Cite this Entry

“Bantling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bantling. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.

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